The After Hours Club

The Breakdown

The After Hours Club meetings will be split into THREE PARTS. Those parts are The Game, The Chat, and The Kickback.

THE GAME 
7 PM - 9 PM

This summer, continuing the F&S Acting Studio’s exploration of the theme "American Rage," we will delve deeply into Reginald Rose's classic play, "12 Angry Men." In the two hours of our club meeting, Player Members will engage in scene study designed to enhance their performances through focused coaching & direction from Hamp Fluker, creator of the distinctive acting technique, The Fable Method, and Fable & Sow’s Artistic Director. This portion of our meetings will be structured to allow actors to explore the characters they are cast in and develop their skills in a supportive environment.

We invite Witness Members to join us in the rehearsal room. Witnesses will have the opportunity observe actors in process and learn how Fable & Sow navigates the character creation and storytelling process closely, with the option to offer constructive feedback on what they see, hear, and feel, if Player Members request it. It's important to note that no specific outcomes or performances are expected in the game of make-believe. The Witness Members’ role is to contribute to a rich dialogue about the work being undertaken, not to judge performances.

This collaborative approach aims to create a dynamic atmosphere where both performers and observers can learn from one another, ultimately deepening our understanding of the themes and character dynamics in "12 Angry Men."

THE CHAT 
9 PM - 10 PM

After the scene study portion of the evening is complete, After Hours Club will dedicate an hour to engage in thoughtful discussions about a new banned play each week. Bobbi Johnson, the Program Coordinator and Assistant Farm Manager at Fable & Sow, will expertly guide us through a curated discussion focused on the historical and cultural significance of each piece.

Throughout this vibrant summer of exploration, we will immerse ourselves in the following banned plays, each offering a powerful narrative and critical social commentary:

Week 1: The White Card by Claudia Rankine – A provocative exploration of race and privilege in contemporary society.

Week 2: Ruined by Lynn Nottage – A heart-wrenching tale set in the Democratic Republic of Congo, illuminating the struggles faced by women in war-torn nations.

Week 3: Funnyhouse of a Negro by Adrienne Kennedy – A surreal and fragmented journey through identity and the complexities of black womanhood.

Week 4: Her by Eulalie Spence – A compelling examination of motherhood, identity, and the weight of societal expectations.

Week 5: Pass Over by Antoinette Chinonye Nwandu – An urgent and exhilarating retelling of the existential struggles faced by black men in America.

Week 6: Master Harold…and the Boys by Athol Fugard – A poignant interrogation of power dynamics in apartheid-era South Africa.

Week 7: Dutchman and The Slave by Amiri Baraka  – A powerful and provocative double feature that challenges perceptions of race, identity, and societal roles.

Join us as we delve into these impactful works, fostering meaningful dialogue and reflection on the narratives that continue to resonate in our world today. To participate in the discussion, plays must be completed before each meeting.

*Plays are subject to change.*

THE KICKBACK 
10 PM - 11 PM

Join us for an engaging social hour led by Jarvis Tomdio, the Assistant Artistic Director of Fable & Sow. This gathering invites Players and Witnesses to continue the conversation about the thought-provoking work we've just explored or to simply kickback.

Jarvis will curate a captivating musical set inspired by the recently discussed banned play, creating an ambiance that enriches our dialogue. Fresh brewed herbal tea sourced from our farm and light refreshments will be provided for the kickback. This debrief promises to be not only insightful but also a stylish celebration of our shared passion. Come hang out and let's connect in a gallery on a Saturday night!